Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Copycat

Ever crave a fast, flavorful meal but dread another drive-thru run? This mexican pizza taco bell copycat is exactly what you need—quick, satisfying, and fresher than anything in a takeout bag. With pantry staples like flour tortillas, ground beef, refried beans, and shredded cheese, dinner’s practically done.

Just cook the taco meat in a large skillet over medium heat, add taco seasoning, and start layering. Spread refried beans on a tortilla, add the beef, then stack and finish with enchilada sauce on top and melty cheese. Bake it on a baking sheet until crispy.

Top with diced tomato, sour cream, or olives and green onions for extra flair. Clean-up? Easy—just grab a paper towel. You’re going to love how fast this Taco Bell classic comes together!

I first made this mexican pizza taco bell copycat on a hectic weeknight when I was craving that classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza but didn’t feel like heading out. With some store bought flour tortillas, a cup refried beans, and a bit of ground beef waiting in the fridge, I figured I’d give this copycat recipe a try. I cooked the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then took a chance and decided to add taco seasoning.

My family was skeptical—until the first bite. They fell completely silent, eyes wide, and that’s when I knew it was a hit. Now it’s on our meal rotation at least twice a month, and I always have a baking sheet and paper towel ready to make cleanup easier.

Ingredients for Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Copycat

• Ground beef: The hearty base for your taco meat. Choose 85/15 for a great balance of flavor and less grease.
• Taco seasoning: Adds bold, taco seasoned flavor. Go with a no-MSG store bought blend or make your own taco seasoning at home for full control over flavor and spice.
• Flour tortillas: The perfect base for this copycat recipe. Thinner, store bought varieties crisp up best—just like in the original Taco Bell Mexican Pizza.
• Refried beans: Helps spread a layer of refried beans for creamy texture and added protein. Use traditional or vegetarian versions.
• Enchilada sauce: Adds rich flavor and goes both inside and on top. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
• Shredded cheese: Essential for that melty layer. Always shred it fresh—this ensures the cheese is melted evenly.
• Diced tomato: Adds brightness and juiciness. Roma varieties work best due to their low moisture content.
• Red onion: Adds color and crunch. Dice finely so it blends easily into every bite.
• Black olives: Their briny flavor balances the richness. Use small, sliced olives for even coverage.
• Sour cream: A cool, creamy topping that ties everything together. Full-fat sour cream offers the best flavor and texture.
• Green onions: Fresh, mild, and colorful. Sprinkle olives and green onions over the top for that signature finish.

How to make Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Copycat

• Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns—about 5–8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain well using a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. Next, add taco seasoning, a splash of water, and a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce. Stir until evenly mixed and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. You’ve just made flavorful, juicy taco meat—the star of this mexican pizza taco bell copycat.

• Assemble the Base Layers: Place one store bought flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a layer of refried beans (about ½ to 1 cup refried beans) evenly to the edges—this helps bind the layers. Add a generous scoop of taco seasoned meat and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with a second tortilla and press down gently to seal.

• Add the Pizza Elements: Now for the fun part! Spoon about 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on top of the upper tortilla. Spread it thin and evenly. Cover the entire surface with shredded cheese—make sure it reaches the edges for that classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza look. You’ll know it’s perfect when the cheese is melted and bubbly during cooking.

• Cook to Crispy Perfection:

1. Air fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes or until crisp and bubbly.
2. Oven: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burnt edges.
3. Stovetop: Use a lidded pan over medium heat and cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese is melted.

• Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top immediately with diced tomato, red onion, black olives, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of olives and green onions. Serve your copycat recipe hot and fresh for the best texture. Pro tip: Let it rest for 1 minute before slicing—it makes everything easier (and cleaner)!

You Must Know

• Faster Than Takeout: This mexican pizza taco bell copycat is much quicker than delivery—just 15 minutes from start to finish! Using store bought flour tortillas, ground beef, and pantry staples like a cup refried beans and shredded cheese, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.
• Perfect for Picky Eaters: It’s totally customizable—let everyone add taco seasoning to taste or mix up toppings like diced tomato, sour cream, or even olives and green onions. This copycat recipe gives you the flexibility the original never had.
• Great for Gatherings: Hosting a crowd? Simply double the ingredients and prep everything ahead of time. Use a baking sheet to cook multiple pizzas at once, and you’re ready to feed a hungry group with ease.
• Zero Waste Meal: Got leftover taco meat from the night before? Just spread a layer of refried beans, top with seasoned beef, and finish with enchilada sauce on top and cheese. Once the cheese is melted, it’s just like a homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza—minus the drive-thru line. Just grab a paper towel and enjoy!

The Secret’s in the Sauce

The enchilada sauce on top is truly what sets this mexican pizza taco bell copycat apart from your average quesadilla. Honestly, the first time I made it, I almost used taco sauce instead—huge mistake! The rich, slightly smoky flavor of enchilada sauce adds depth that transforms every bite into something straight out of the Taco Bell drive-thru (but better!). It blends perfectly with the taco meat, shredded cheese, and store bought flour tortillas to recreate that iconic flavor we all love.

Make Ahead Options

This copycat recipe is also a lifesaver on busy nights. You can cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, add taco seasoning, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Portion your cup refried beans and refrigerate until needed. When it’s time to serve, just spread a layer of refried beans, layer on the taco seasoned meat, top with cheese, and bake it all on a baking sheet. Easy meal prep that saves your sanity!

Variations Worth Trying

Want to mix things up?

• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add more refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans with sautéed veggies.
• Spicy twist: Stir in jalapeños or crushed red pepper while browning your taco meat.
• Tortilla swap: Try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option—just note they’re less sturdy than flour tortillas.
• Topping fun: Garnish with diced tomato, sour cream, and olives and green onions after baking. Once the cheese is melted, every layer adds something special. Just don’t forget a paper towel—things might get deliciously messy!

Serving Suggestions

These mexican pizza taco bell copycat creations are satisfying enough to enjoy solo, but they also shine with easy sides. Serve with a light green salad and cilantro lime dressing to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with Spanish rice—it’s perfect for soaking up any enchilada sauce on top. Hosting guests? Start things off with tortilla chips and guacamole, then bring out the pizzas. Slice each one into quarters on a baking sheet for a finger-friendly appetizer that’s ideal for casual mingling. Don’t forget the paper towel—things might get saucy in the best way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes! Corn tortillas give a slightly crispier texture than store bought flour tortillas. Just note they’re a little less sturdy when stacked.

What’s the best way to achieve crispy tortillas?

Use an air fryer at 400°F or pan-fry in a large skillet over medium heat. The oven method on a baking sheet also works well—just keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the ground beef and go with plant-based crumbles, extra refried beans, or sautéed veggies. It’s a great way to keep the copycat recipe flavorful and meat-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Place cooked pizzas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best crunch.

What garnishes pair well with this dish?

Try diced tomato, red onions, black olives, sour cream, and a sprinkle of olives and green onions. These fresh toppings balance the warm, cheesy layers.

Can I customize the filling?

Of course! Swap out the beef for taco seasoned chicken, shredded pork, or even more beans. You can also add taco seasoning to your favorite protein for a personalized twist.

More Recipes Hungry to Try

Easter Jello Pie: If you love light and refreshing desserts after a hearty dish like this mexican pizza taco bell copycat, this pie is a must. It combines fruity layers and whipped topping in a store bought graham cracker crust for a colorful, creamy treat that’s perfect for spring. Chill it on a baking sheet and serve cold with a dollop of sour cream or fresh fruit.

Chocolate Covered Pecans: Looking for a sweet and crunchy snack to enjoy after dinner? Try this copycat recipe made with pantry staples. These chocolate pecans come together quickly with no fancy tools needed—just line your tray with paper towel for easy cleanup. A great make-ahead dessert to enjoy while the cheese is melted on your taco bell mexican pizza.

Rotel Pasta: This creamy, spicy pasta is loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Start by cooking the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then add taco seasoning for bold flavor. Just like with your Mexican Pizza, this dish uses ingredients like taco meat and enchilada sauce on top for a satisfying, cheesy finish.

Ranch Pretzels: Need a snack while prepping your flour tortillas or waiting for dinner to finish? These ranch pretzels are seasoned to perfection and baked until crispy. They’re easy to customize and great for serving alongside your pizza. Try pairing them with sour cream dips or topping with chopped olives and green onions for a fun twist.